Bangladesh is like a painter's dream come true with a rich tapestry of colors and texture. The traditional emphasis of the tourist trade has always been on the material facilities offered by a country rather than on its actual charms.

Dhaka is the commercial heart of Bangladesh. The city has a growing middle class population, driving the market for modern consumer and luxury goods. The city has historically attracted a large number of migrant workers. At first impression, Dhaka is a typically modern Third World capital with wide boulevards and cement-block towers, everything laid out in orderly fashion but in rapid states of decline. But on further investigation you discover that Dhaka is an old and venerable city in the true South Asian manner. There is something interesting around every corner.

Nightlife does exist in the capital city but depending upon your definition of nightlife you'll have to be the judge if this is your kind of nightlife or not. There are social clubs open to the public but they are mainly used for large gatherings such as weddings or birthday parties.

Ahsan Manzil, the palace of the last Nawab of Dhaka, stands just behind the waterfront. It's now fully restored.

Bangabhaban: Tourists can have a look (outside view only) of Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President.

Zoological Garden: Called Mirpur Zoo, it is situated at Mirpur. 10 km. to northwest of Dhaka, on 230 acres of land.

Shahid Minar: Symbol of Bang-ladeshi nationalism, this was built to commemorate the martyrs of historic Language Movement of 1952.

Botanical Garden: Built over an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur, just east of the Mirpur Zoo. Object of garden: botanical education, research, preservation of plants and some recreation.

1857 Memorial (Bahadur Shah Park): Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule, it was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged.

National Park: Situated at Rajendrapur, 40 km. due north of Dhaka within Joydevpur Thana in the magnificent Bhawal region on Dhaka-Trishal-Mymensingh Highway, this is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational forest, ideal for those who love nature.

Wildlife Sanctuary: About 128 km. from Dhaka is Madhupur, an interesting wildlife and game sanctuary of the country.

Mosques: Dhaka is better known as a city of mosques. The number of mosques in Dhaka city—old and new—would be more that one thousand.

River Cruise: During the dry winter months river cruise is available. The cruise provides an opportunity to have glimpse of riverine Bangladesh and its lash green countryside